Thousands of people gathered in Queens, NYC, on Sunday, March 1, for the 27th annual St. Pat’s for All Parade, an inclusive celebration of Irish heritage that welcomes participants from every and all backgrounds.

The community parade, founded in 2000 by Irish-born gay activist Brendan Fay, was created in response to the long-standing exclusion of LGBTQ+ groups from the traditional New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade. Fay, who emigrated from Drogheda and settled in Queens during the 1980s, envisioned a St Patrick’s celebration that embraced diversity and reflected the values of modern New York.

This year’s parade saw over 100 community groups, activists, cultural organisations and marching bands take part, while thousands lined the streets to watch the colourful procession. 

Participants carried banners promoting immigrant rights and peace, with many chanting “Abolish ICE” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” Signs calling for solidarity with migrants and Gaza, as well as opposing ongoing global conflicts, were visible throughout the crowd, reflecting the parade’s broader message of social justice and global solidarity.

Speakers at the pre-parade rally included elected officials and community leaders who praised the event’s inclusive spirit. Among those addressing the crowd was US politician Mark Levine, who joined chants supporting immigrant communities and applauded organisers for creating a celebration open to all.

The parade’s grand marshals for 2026 were actress Kate Mulgrew, best known for her role in Star Trek: Voyager, alongside founders of The Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City, Ciarán O’Reilly and Charlotte Moore. This year’s parade was held in memory of Irish writer and actor Malachy McCourt.

 

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St Pat’s for All has grown significantly since its founding, evolving from a protest against exclusion into one of the most important community celebrations in Queens. Today, the parade welcomes families, trade unions, schools, artists, LGBTQ+ organisations and immigrant groups marching side by side in a spirit of unity. 

The parade’s guiding motto, “cherishing all the children of the nation equally”, is drawn from the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, reflecting its commitment to equality and inclusion. The St Pat’s for All Parade remains a powerful reminder of the role Irish immigrants have played in New York’s diverse communities, while celebrating a vision of St Patrick’s Day that embraces everyone.